Collapsible table and track layout



W. D. GOERING COLLAPSIBLE TABLE AND TRACK LAYOUT Jan. 18, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 15, 1963 INVENTOR. WILLARD D. GOERING BY W M ATTORNEY FIGZZ Jan. 18, 1966 w. D. GOERING COLLAPSIBLE TABLE AND TRACK LAYOUT 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed 0612. 15, 1965 FIG-5 FIG. 2%

INVENTOR. WILLARD D. GOERING BY WL M ATTORNEY VII/IIIIIIIIIf/lllllll rIf/VA l kkk.

5h 1 u lll u 1 n xxxxx 1.

Jan. 18, 1966 w. D. GOERING 3,230,026

COLLAPSIBLE TABLE AND TRACK LAYOUT Filed Oct. 15, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 I 222: 40s 4so 5 452 I I 54o i j F 6. F l 6. l2

INVENTOR. WILLARD D. GOERING BY Maw ATTORNEY United States Patent Ofilice azsaazs Patented Jan. 18, 1956 This invention relates to new and useful improvements in collapsible tables, as well as such a table in combination with an electrical control system and track system for use with electrically actuated track toys such as electric trains, etc.

A wide variety of collapsible tables (by which is meant tables having a table top defining panel or panels that are retractable or movable to inoperative positions such as to reduce the over-all size of the structure) have been heretofore proposed. Many of these for various reasons have not been fully successful. Among such reasons may be mentioned lack of strength or stability, expensive or complicated in construction, difficult or complicated to collapse or erect, inadequate over-all reduction in size on collapsing, exposure of finished table top surfaces to being marred when the table is collapsed, lack of suitability for other than a few limited and specific purposes, and so forth.

The primary object of this invention is to provide a collapsible table of substantial strength and stability in both its erected and collapsed condition, which will have a large utility potential, and which table will afford protection for the table top defining surfaces when the table is in collapsed condition.

Another important object of this invention is to provide a collapsible table of the character specified in the preceding paragraph such that not only is protection afforded for the table top defining surfaces but such that the surfaces and any objects which may have substantial depth secured to or mounted on such surfaces are also protected and hidden from view when the table is in collapsed condition.

Still another important object of this invention is to provide a collapsible table in accordance with the preceding objects which may optionally incorporate storage ,space so as to be in the nature of a cabinet or chest, and which collapsible table will be of simple and relatively inexpensive construction and also be reasonably simple and easy to erect and collapse.

Yet a further object of this invention is to provide a table of the character set forth in accordance with the above-stated objects in combination with track means (such as conventionally used in connection with electrically actuated toys like electric trains, busses, etc.) secured to the table top defining surface or surfaces.

It is also a purpose of this invention to provide in combination with the table and track means set forth in the preceding paragraph with retractable electrical control apparatus coupled to track means for supplying electrical energy and/or control signals to electrically actuated motive toys guidingly engaged by the track means, adequate holders or storage space for such motive toys when not in use, and means for operatively interconnecting separate portions of the track means that may be fixedly connected to separable table top panels.

One broad aspect of the invention comprises a generally rectangular storage chest including front and rear walls, end walls and a top wall, said top wall being horizontally spaced from the upper end of the rear wall 'to constitute a rectangular opening communicating with the interior of the chest therebelow so as to define a storage well within the chest, a table top panel vertically received within the well and in spaced parallelism to the rear wall, guide means for guiding vertical movement of the panel to an upper limiting position, pivot means connecting the panel and the chest for swinging movement of the panel about a horizontal axis parallel to the rear wall when the panel is at the upper limiting position to a horizontal position overlying the top Wall of the chest, and a track layout secured to surface of the panel adjacent the rear wall when the panel is vertically received in the well.

Another broad aspect of the invention comprises a frame, first and second substantially flat table panels selectively carried by said frame in abutting and assembled table top defining relation and in parallel and vertically arranged collapsed relation within the frame, said frame being provided with parallelly spaced and vertically arranged first and second guide means operatively associated respectively with the first and second panels, each of said first and second panels having opposed parallel side edges and an end abutting edge, each of said guide means comprising a horizontally spaced pair of vertically extending guide means carried by the frame in operative guiding relation with the opposed side edges of the panel associated therewith for guiding vertical movement of such panel with the latter being vertically arranged between a lower collapsed position within the frame and an upper position in which the panel projects substantially above the top of the frame, first and second pivot means operatively related respectively to the first and second panels for pivotally connecting the panels to the frame for swinging movement of the abutting edge of the panel toward the other panel about a horizontal axis adjacent the top of the frame and spaced above the abutting edge of the panel when the latter is in said upper position thereof, and first and second means for positively limiting said swinging movement of the first and second panels respectively to about 90, whereby the panels can be swung into assembled table top defining relation with the abutting edges thereof in abutment and with the upper surface of the table top being defined by the parallelly spaced adjacent surfaces of the panels when the latter are in collapsed relation within the 'frame.

Yet another broad aspect of the invention involves (with respect to the aspect of the invention set forth in the preceding paragraph) the provision of a track means having interdependent portions separately secured to the adjacent surfaces to the panels when the latter are in collapsed relation. More specific aspects of the invention involve the provision of means for interconnecting the interdependent portions of the track means when the panels are in table top defining relation and the optional provision of means for supplying electrical energy and/or control signals to electric conduit means associated with the track means whereby electrically actuated motive toys adapted to track upon the track means can be energized and/or controlled.

An important feature of the invention resides in a frame cabinet or chest having a vertical well therein for vertically receiving a table top panel therein when the latter is not in use the arrangement being such that, if desired, the table top defining surface of the panel can be spaced from any adjacent protective wall (or panel) that defines a side of or is received in a storage well, together with guide and pivot means for use in connection with vertically raising the panel and thence swinging the panel to its horizontal operative position.

Another important feature of the invention resides in the provision of retractable means for supporting a projecting portion of the retractable table panel when the latter is in operative position.

Still another important feature of the invention resides in the means provided for supplying electrical energy control signals to a track system secured to a retractable table panel.

A final feature of the invention to be specifically set forth resides in the means provided for operatively interconnecting portions of a track system fixed to separable and retractable table panels.

These and other objects, aspects and features of the invention will become manifest in the light of the fo lowing description of preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of a combined collapsible table and track layout according to the invention, the same being shown in collapsed condition;

FIGURE 2 is an end elevational view on a reduced scale of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1, this view showing certain hidden structural details in dashed outline and showing an article carrier in raised position as contrasted with the showing thereof in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged vertical and transverse sectional detail view of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1, this view being broken and showing one of the table panels in vertically limited raised position in full lines with alternate positions thereof being shown in dashed lines;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional detail view illustrating in particular a portion of the means for pivotal movement of one of the panels between horizontal and vertical positions;

FIGURE 5 is an end elevational View of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1, this view showing the same extended and in assembled or operational condition;

FIGURE 6 is a top plan view on a reduced scale of the assembled or operational apparatus shown in FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged top plan detail view of structure of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1 constituting a stop limiting pivotal movement of the panels and for establishing electrical connection between electrical control apparatus and electrical conduit means associated with the track means;

FIGURE 8 is a broken, enlarged top plan view of removable means for interconnecting separate portions of the track means fixed to the separate table panels of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged top plan view of means for electrically connecting portions of track means fixed to separate table panels;

FIGURE 10 is an end elevational view of another collapsible table embodiment, this view showing the table in erected or operative condition;

FIGURE 11 is an end elevational view of the table shown in FIGURE 10, this view showing the same in collapsed condition;

FIGURE 12 is a central vertical and transverse sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 11, with optional support arms and wheels being omitted;

FIGURE 13 is a vertical sectional view taken upon the plane of the section line 1313 in FIGURE 12; and

FIGURE 14 is an enlarged central longitudinal sectional view of the biased expansion leg joint in the construction shown in FIGURE 10.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout the various views, attention is initially directed to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGURES 1 through 9, inclusive. The collapsible table and track layout constituting this embodiment of the invention is designated generally at 10, the same comprising a frame generally in the form of a cabinet or chest that includes front and rear walls 12 and 14 respectively, end walls 16 and 18, and a top Wall 20. As shown, the frame of chest or cabinet character is generally rectangular and includes a bottom wall 22 on which are mounted a pair of spaced support wheels 24 and 26 adjacent the end wall 18, and a centrally located support wheel 28 adjacent the end wall 16. The Wheels 24, 26 and 28 provide a stable three-point support for the collapsible apparatus 10 while enabling the same to be easily moved over reasonably smooth surfaces from one position to another. Preferably, the mounting structure for the wheels 24 and 26 are of the conventional caster-type, while the mounting structure for the wheel 28 includes a wheel locking lever 30 that can be actuated in the conventional manner to selectively permit or prevent rotation of the wheel 28.

The chest or cabinet defined by the walls 12 through 22 inclusive is provided with an internal partition Wall 32 that is parallel to the front and rear walls 12 and 14. The partition wall 32 is spaced from the front wall 12 and a horizontal partition wall 34 is disposed between the walls 12 and 32 and supported on the end walls 16 and 18. The horizontal partition wall 34 constitutes a support for a sliding drawer 36 that includes a face plate 38 and which is slidable through a suitable opening in the front wall 12 of the apparatus 10. An additional horizontal partition wall 40 extends between the walls 12 and 32 above the drawer 36 to constitute a dust cover therefor. If desired, and to the extent that space is available therein, the apparatus 11) can be provided with an additional drawer or drawers, not shown, operable through suitable openings in the walls 12 or 18 above the horizontal partition wall 40. In any event, it is preferred that a drawer 42 be provided that is slidably supported upon guide strips 44 mounted on the bottom wall 22, such sliding drawer 42 including a face plate 46 operable through a suitable opening in the front Wall 12 of the apparatus 10.

The vertical partition wall 32 is also spaced from the back wall 14 as clearly shown in FIGURE 3 to define in conjunction with the end walls 16 and 18 a storage well 48 Within the frame or enclosure designated generally at 50 and constituted of the walls 12 through 22, inclusive. It will be noted that the rear edge of the top wall 20 terminates in spaced parallelism to the rear wall 14 to constitute a rectangular opening 52 at the top and rear of the enclosure or cabinet 50 affording vertical access into the well 48. It will be noted that the rear edge of the top wall 20 terminates at and is secured to the vertical partition wall 32 by hinge means indicated at 54, whereby the top wall 20 can be swung upwardly from the position shown thereof resting upon the front wall 12 and the end walls 16 and 18 about an axis adjacent the horizontal juncture of the walls 20 and 32 to yield access to the interior of the chest or cabinet 50 above the partition 40 when desired. It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that the top Wall 20 can, if deemed necessary or expedient, be fixedly secured to the walls 12, 16, 18 and 32.

A pair of large rectangular panels and 62 are, in the collapsed condition of the apparatus 10, received within the well 48. In such position of the panels 60 and 62, they are in spaced parallelism to each other with the respective adjacent surfaces 64 and 66 thereof constituting table top defining surfaces. The panels 60 and 62 are in their collapsed positions parallel to and closely spaced (at least in comparison to the spacing therebetween) to the rear wall 14 and the partition wall 32, respectively. Means are provided at each end of the chest or cabinet 50 adjacent the walls 16 and 18 for retaining the panels 60 and 62 in vertical positions when in their collapsed condition, for guiding vertical movement of such partitions, and for guiding pivotal movement of such panels as will hereinafter be described. Inasmuch as such means provided adjacent the end wall 16 is substantially a mere image of such means provided adjacent the end wall 18, a detailed description of such means as provided adjacent the end wall 18 will suffice for a complete understanding of the principles involved. The means provided adjacent the end wall 18 comprises a wall plate 68 fixed to the inner side of the end wall 18, such plate 68 having vertical edges 70 and 72 respectively spaced from the walls 14 and 32 to respectively define vertical guide channels 74 and 76 that slidingly and guidingly receive vertical side edges of the panels 60 and 62. It will be noted that downward sliding movement of the panels 60 and 62 in the channels 74 and 76 is limited by engagement of the lower (hereinafter referred to as abutting) edges 78 and 84) with the slide or frame members 44 of the cabinet or chest 50. As thus far described, it will be apparent that (see FIGURE 3) the panel 62 can be raised from the position shown thereof in dashed outline at 82 in which it engages the strip 44 to the full line position shown thereof. Means is provided for limiting any further upward sliding movement of the panel 62 above that shown in full lines in FIGURE 3. Such means comprises a hinge including a hinge pin 84 and hinge leaves 86 and 88. The hinge leaf 86 is fixedly secured to the partition wall 32, with the hinge leaf 88 freely depending from the hinge pin 84 so as to swing about a horizontal axis. The hinge leaves 86 and 88 are intermediate the panel 62 and the partition 32, and a pair of vertically spaced loops or straps 943 and 92 are fixedly secured to the side of the panel 62 adjacent the partition wall 32, the loops 90 and 92 being so positioned as to have a travel path coinciding with the position of the hinge leaf 88, whereby the hinge leaf 88 is received through the loops 96 and 92 as the panel 62 is raised toward the full line position shown thereof in FIGURE 3.

Inasmuch as the leaf S8 is downwardly tapered, as is conventional, and inasmuch as the lateral extent of the loops 90 and 92 are limited, the relationship is such that further upward movement of the panel 62 beyond that shown in FIGURE 3 is prevented by the wedging of the hinge leaf 88 in the loops 90 and 92.

The upper edge of the plate 68 adjacent the hinge pin 84 is of arcuate shape to define a curved bearing surface 94- about the hinge pin 84 as a radius. The lateral margin of the panel 62 adjacent the end wall 18 and the lower edge 8% of the plate 62 is notched at 96 to accommodate the plate 68 along the curved bearing surface 94, the arrangement being such that the panel 62 when disposed in the full line position shown thereof in FIGURE 3 can be pivoted or swung clockwise successively through the dashed positions indicated at 98 and 160, it bein noted that the bearing relationship between the curved surface 94 and the notch 96 in the panel 62 retains the leaf 88 and the loops 90 and 92 in relatively fixed position whenever the panel 62 is rotated clockwise from the full line position shown thereof in FIGURE 3. In effect, the surfaces 72 and 94 of the plate 68 cooperate with the hinge means 84, 86 and 88 and the loops 9t and 92 to define a guide means for guiding vertical translational movement of the panel 62 between a lower and an upper limiting position with the panel 62 vertically arranged, and for swinging or pivoting the panel 62 from the vertical position to a horizontal position solely when the panel 62 is in the upper limited position.

Means are provided for limiting clockwise swinging movement of the panel 62 from the full line position shown thereof in FIGURE 3 to the horizontal position thereof indicated in dashed outline at 100. Two structural features of the apparatus 11 are provided each of which is independently capable of limiting clockwise swinging movement of the panel 62 to the extent indicated. The first of such features constituting such means comprises the panel 62 engaging and resting upon the upper surface of the top wall 20 when the panel 62 has been rotated clockwise 90 from the vertical position to the horizontal position indicated at 199. That this structural arrangement will limit clockwise swinging movement of the panel 62 will be clearly apparent. The other structural feature independently capable of limiting clockwise swinging movement of the panel 62 previously referred to comprises an angle iron member 102 horizontally fixed as at 164 to the upper end of the plate 68, such angle iron member 102 including a flange 106 projecting toward the center of the apparatus and disposed within the travel path of the swinging movement of the lateral portion of the panel 62 adjacent the end wall 18 and below the hinge pin 84 so as to constitute a stop means. Accordingly, the top wall 211 and the flange 196 constitute stop means each independently sufiicient for the purpose stated.

Means is provided for limiting upward translation of the panel and for guiding swinging movement of the panel 60 from the vertical position when the latter is in the upper limited position to a horizontal position indicated in dashed outline at 111 Such means are generally analogous to those previously describing connection with the panel 62 and comprises a hinge means that includes a hinge pin 112 pivotally connecting downwardly tapered hinge leaves 114 and 116. The hinge leaf 114 is fixedly connected to the back wall 14 by suitable fasteners 118-, (see FIGURE 4), and loops 120 and 122 are fixed to the panel 6%. The hinge leaf 116 depends from the hinge pin 112 in such a manner as to be disposed in the travel path of the loops 121i and 122 when the panel 60 is raised so as to limit upward movement of the panel 60 and concurrently establish a hinged connection between the panel 6% and the back wall 14.

The plate 68 is provided with an arcuate edge defining a curved guiding surface 124 having the hinge pin 112 as its center of curvature, the curved surface 124 cooperating with a notch 126 out in the lateral edge of the panel 61 to accommodate the plate 68, the arrangement being such that the curved surface 124 is in sliding engagement with the upper margin of the notch 126 as the panel 60 is swung anticlockwise to the horizontal position indicated in dashed outline at 119.

While the upper edge of the rear wall 14 tends to limit anticlockwise swinging movement of the panel 611, more effective means are provided for limiting such swinging movement of the panel 60 which comprises the previously mentioned flange 106 and the character of engagement of the abutting edges 78 and 81) of the panel 611 and 62 respectively. The flange 1% is so disposed to be in the travel path of the lateral margin of the panel 60 as the latter is swung from the vertical to the horizontal position as will be appreciated. As clearly illustrated in FIG- URE 3, the abutting edges 78 and 89 of the panels 61} and 62 respectively are beveled in such an arrangement that the abutting edge 78 underlies the beveled edge 8% when the panels 60 and 62 are both in horizontal positions as indicated at 130. Accordingly, further anticlockwise movement of the panel 60 beyond the horizontal position shown thereof in dashed outline at 118 is prevented by the upper edge of the rear wall 14, the flange 1116, and the beveled edge abutting the beveled edge 78 in overlapping relation.

As explained hereinbefore, the guide means for the panels 60 and 62 thus far described are adjacent the end wall 18 and constitute just one half of such means provided, the other half of such means being disposed adjacent the end wall 16 and being essentially symmetrical to the described means with respect to a median plane intermediate the end walls 14 and 16. The guide means adjacent the end wall 16 are partially shown in FIGURE 7, wherein such guide means includes a plate 149 corresponding to the plate 68, curved surfaces 1-12 and 14 1 corresponding to the previously described curved surfaces 9 1 and 124, and an angle iron member 146 having a stop flange 148 corresponding to the angle member 1112 and the flange 1626 respectively.

Attention is now directed to FIGURES 1, 2 and 5 for an appreciation of article support means designated generally at 151 and carried by the panel 62. Such article suoport means comprises a flat rectangular base 152 hingedly connected along its upper edge as by a piano hinge or the like 154 to the under side of the panel 62, that is the side of the panel 62 remote from the panel 60 when such panels are in their retracted or collapsed condition as shown in FIGURE 1. The base 152 is spaced from the edge 81) of the panel 62 by an amount sufficient that the base 152 is disposed above the top wall 20 when the apparatus 10 is in its collapsed condition, and the hinge 154 is sufficiently spaced from the edge 80 that the hinge 154 is disposed outwardly from the top wall 29 when the apparatus 10 is disposed in the operative or extended position shown thereof in FIGURE 5. A rack including spacers 156 and 158, side rails 160 and 162, and a bottom wall 164 are mounted on the base 52 so that in combination with the base 152 to constitute an article carrying means, whereby items (not shown) such as cars and toys like those used in electric trains can be conveniently stored. The hinged connection 154 between the base 152 and the panel 62 is such that the base 152 is disposed more or less in a vertical plane, whereby the article carrying means 151) swings to the position shown thereof in FIGURE when the panel 62 is swung from its vertical position to its operative horizontal position. As will be evident, such pivotal support of the article carrying means 159 makes access to such articles as may be stored therein readily accessible whether the apparatus 11) is in its collapsed or extended position.

The article carrying means 150 can also be employed to support the top wall or cover 20 in a raised position (see FIGURE 2) to facilitate unhampered access to the interior of the chest 50 by virtue of a stop strip 166 secured to the base 152. The base 152 can readily be swung down to the position shown in FIGURE 2 to engage the stop strip 166 over the edge of the top wall 20 to hold the latter in the position shown thereof in FIGURE 2. The top wall 20 can be released and lowered to its normal position closing the top of the chest 50 by raising the base 152 a short distance.

Of course the provision of the stop strip 166 enables a person to prop up (by the use of a straight stick or the like, not shown) the article carrying means 150 in the position shown of the latter in FIGURE 2, whereby substantially the entire upper surface to the top 21 is accessible as a work table, desk top, etc. Such a stick prop, as will be evident, can be located at any out-of-the-way position along the length of the top wall 20, and have its opposite ends wedged against the top strip and in the apex of the dihedral angle defined by the top 20 and the panel 62.

Other article carrying means, not shown, can be provided in lieu of or in addition to the means 150, and can be fixed rigidly or hingedly to the table top defining surface of either of the panels 60 and 62 by virtue of the spacing between such surfaces when the panels are in collapsed condition.

As thus far described, it will be evident that the apparatus comprises structure useful in its collapsed condition as shown in FIGURE 1 as a chest or cabinet that affords a useful desk or bench working surface (top wall as well as providing a convenient article storage means for toys, tools, etc. Clearly, the structure thus far described can as will be apparent to those skilled in the art be modified to serve as a desk and the front wall 12 thereof be cut out to afford a central knee opening in which case the drawer means would be in arrays on opposite sides of the knee opening (not shown). In its use as a desk, the article carrying means 1511 can conveniently serve as a storage space for books, stationary, writing accessories, and the like, such as would be particularly useful to a student for doing his homework.

When the apparatus 10 is disposed in its collapsed condition as shown in FIGURE 1, the panels 60 and 62 are not only disposed in an out-of-way position while simultaneously affording a support for the article carrying means 150, it is particularly important to note that the adjacent surfaces of the panels 60 and 62 which consti tute the top or upper table defining surface when the apparatus 10 is extended are disposed in such a position as to be substantially hidden and at the same time protected against being marred. Such protection against the table defining surfaces of the panels 60 and 62 against being marred or otherwise rendered unsightly is realized whenever the apparatus 10 is in its collapsed condition shown in FIGURE 1, whereby the apparatus 10 can 8. be employed as a storage chest or cabinet, used as a workbench or desk, or moved from one location to another.

It will be noted that when in its collapsed condition, the adjacent surfaces of the panels and 62 of the apparatus 11) are spaced from each other, whereby they can be easily kept in a clean condition as by dusting, but an even more important advantage accrues from such spacing of the panels 60 and 62 when they are in the collapsed condition shown in FIGURE 1. This important advantage resides in the fact that articles can be fixedly secured to the adjacent surfaces of the panels 60 and 62 even though such articles may be of substantial height, whereby such articles need not be especially arranged or very little effort will be required to specially arrange articles upon the table top defined when the panels 60 and 62 are extended to their operative positions. In other words, gaming boards, three-dimensional toys, erected components of games such as nets or the like (none of which are shown) can be attached to the panels 60 and 62 and be left so attached to the panels at all times including the period during which the panels are collapsed or erected.

Exemplary of the advantages attending the adjacent surfaces of the panels 66 and 62 being spaced from each other is the fact that track means such as used with electrically actuated motive toys can be largely if not entirely fixedly secured to the panels 60 and 62, whereby the nuisance of assemblying tracking means upon a collapsible table every time the table is erected can be largely if not entirely overcome. It often happens that the inconvenience of assemblying track means is so great that the pleasures that can be derived from operating electric trains and the like must be foregone. Unfortunately, the space that normally must be occupied by track means is so great that an adequate table surface area cannot be continuously dedicated to such use.

For an understanding of the use of the apparatus as shown in FIGURE 1 in combination with track means attached to the panels 60 and 62, attention is directed to FIGURES 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Referring initially to FIG- URES 5 and 6 which respectively show a side elevational view and a top plan view of the track means designated generally at mounted upon the apparatus 10. The Track means 170 includes a continuous oval of double rail electric train track including portions 172 and 174 mounted flush on the upper surfaces of the panels 60 and 62 when the latter are in assembled relation. The track means 170 also includes a conventional track way of closed figure 8 configuration including portions 176 and 178 mounted respectively on the panels 60 and 62, it being noted that in this particular construction that the crossover between the portions 176 and 178 is adjacent to the junction 180 between the panels 60 and 62, the crossover and connection between the portions 176 and 178 including track sections 182 and 184. As inspection of FIGURES 3, 5 and 6 will indicate, the track portions 176 and 178 are twisted so that the heights thereof along their lengths vary and in such a manner that the track section 184 is spaced above the track section 182 and the junction 180 between the panels 60 and 62. The track section 182 extends across the juncture 180 and is relatively closely spaced to the upper surfaces of the panels 60 and 62. As will be explained presently, the track sections 182 and 184 are removable and separable from the track portions 176 and 178 which they operatively connect when the track system is fully assembled as shown in FIGURES 5 and 6. While it is not absolutely essential that the track system of figure 8 configuration comprised of the track portions 176 and 178 and the track sections 182 and 184- be severable in the region overlying the juncture 180 as is accomplished on removal of the track sections 182 and 184 so as to facilitate the procedure of collapsing the panels 60 and 62 as well as to facilitate erecting the panels 60 and 62 into their operative positions, it is preferred that such construction be employed to avoid the greater construction costs that would be entailed if the adjacent ends of the track portions 176 and 178 had to be fabricated so as to directly interconnect with each other on assembly of the panels 60 and 62 when the positions of intersection are spaced substantially above the planar surface defined by the upper surfaces of the panels 60 and 62. As will become evident subsequently, the railway track portions 172 and 178 do not specially require or cost considerations make desirable the provision of special track sections be removable adjacent the juncture 189, this being largely due to the fact that the track portions 172 and 174 are substantially flush with the upper surfaces of the panels 66 and 62 in the region of the juncture 180.

Attention is now directed to FIGURE 9 which is a fragmentary top plan view of one of the junctures between the track portions 172 and 174 of the railway track system. The track portion 172 includes electrically conductive rails 199 and 192 that are electrically insulated from each other. The rails 190 and 192 are connected by ties such as indicated at 194, and except as otherwise pointed out in specific detail, the track portion 172 is entirely conventional and commercially available. The track portion 174 is substantially the same as the track portion 172 and includes electrically conductive rails 196 and 193 that are electrically insulated from each other. The rails 196 and 198 are connected by ties 200, and it is to be noted that when the panels 60 and 62 are assembled as shown in FIGURES 5, 6 and 9 that the rails 19% and 196 are in substantial alignment and closely spaced to each other at a position 262 directly above the juncture 185 between the panels 69 and 62. In a similar manner, the rails 192 and 198 are in substantial alignment adjacent the juncture 180, and are in closely spaced relation to each other at a position 264 immediately above the juncture 180. As thus far described, the rails of the tracit portions 172 and 174 are in the region illustrated in FIGURE 9 related to each other in such a fashion that wheeled vehicles designed to track upon the rails of the track portions 172 and 174 will track from the track portion 172 to the track portion 174 across the juncture 18%), and vice versa. The expression wheeled vehicles has reference to electrically actuated toy engines or locomotives as well as passenger and freight cars connected to be pulled by such engines or locomotives (each wheeled vehicle having flanged wheels making tracking and rolling connection with the rails of the track portions 172 and 174) such as conventional toy electric trains and the like.

Means is provided to establish electrical continuity between the rails 199 and 196 on one hand and between the rails 19?. and 198 on the other hand whereby electrical energy and/or control signals can be delivered to conventional electric toys tracking upon either of the track portions 172 and 174. The means provided for establishing an electric connection between the rails 190 and 196 comprises a coiled spring 216 having angularly inclined extensions 212 and 214 at its opposite ends. The spring 2113 is of electrically conductive material of resilient character, such as a conventional beryllium-copper alloy, and the spring 210 is also preferably formed of a wire of circular cross section. The extension 212 of the spring 210 rotatably extends through a suitable aperture in the web portion of the rail 190 (it being understood that the rail 1% has a cross section generally similar to that employed in full scale commercial railway rails), and the spring 210 is selectively positionable so that the extension 212 thereof resiliently bears against the web portion of the rail 196 as shown in the full line position of the extension 214 and alternatively in such a position indicated in dashed outline at 216 such that the extension 214 bears against the web portion of the rail 190. It will be apparent to those familiar with the art that when the spring 210 is in the full line position shown thereof in FIGURE 9 so that the extension 214 bears against the web portion of the rail 196 that an electrically conductive pass is established between the rails 190 and 196 through the spring 210. Accordingly, when the spring 216 is disposed in the full line position shown thereof, the track system comprised of the track portions 172 and 174 is in operative condition insofar as the rails 19%) and 196 are concerned. When the spring 210 is disposed so that the extension 214 is in the position shown in dashed outline thereof at 216, it will be apparent that the spring 21! does not extend across the juncture 180 or in any other way interfere with free relative move ment of the panels and 62 inasmuch as the extension 212 of the spring 210 is disposed substantially to one side of the juncture 180.

Similar spring means are provided for electrically connecting the rails 192 and 198, these means comprising a spring coil 218 having end extensions 220 and 222. The spring extension 229 rotatably extends through an aperture in the web of the rail 192, so that the extension 222 bears against the web of the rail 198 and establishes an electrically conductive path between the rails 192 and 198 when the spring 218 and its extensions 220 and 222 are disposed in the full line positions shown thereof in FIG- URE 9. When the rails 192 and 198 are to be electrically disconnected and the spring 218 and its extensions 220 and 222 to be disposed in a position that does not interfere with relative movement of the panels 6%) and 62 when the latter are to be placed in their collapsed position, the spring 218 is rotated in the aperture in the rail 192 to place the extensions 220 and 222 respectively in the dotted line positions shown thereof at 224 and 226.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that in order to move the panels 64) and 62 with the rail portions 172 and 174 attached thereto from the collapsed position shown in FIGURE 3 to the erected operative position shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, it is only necessary that the panel 62 be first raised vertically and rotated to its operative horizontal position, thence the panel 6% is raised vertically and rotated horizontally to its operative position, and the spring means 212 through 222 are swung from the dotted line positions shown thereof in FIGURE 9 to the full line of positions shown thereof in FIGURE 9, such steps serving to place the panels 60 and 62 in table top defining relation and also bringing the track portions 172 and 174 into operative relation with respect to each other and electrically interconnecting the same.

Except when the track portions 176 and 178 are assembled and interconnected by the track sections 182 and 184 as shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, the track sections 182 and 184 are removed and separately stored, as in the article carrying means 159 or the drawers provided in the chest or cabinet 55). Inasmuch as the track sections 182 and 184 when in their operative positions overlie the juncture 180 with the track portions 176 and 178 being spaced from such juncture, it will be appreciated that the panels 66 and 62 can be easily moved from their operative positions to their retracted positions and vice versa with the track portions 176 and 178 attached thereto when the track sections 182 and 184 are removed. Inasmuch as substantially identical means are provided in association with each of the track sections 182 and 184 whereby such track sections can be selectively employed to mechanically and electrically interconnect the track portions 176 and 178, detailed description of the specific means provided in association with the track section 184 and its cooperative association with an adjacent end of the track portion 178 will suffice for an understanding of the operative association of the track section 182 with the adjacent end of the track portion 17d as well as the corresponding means provided for the track section 184. For an understanding of such means, attention is directed to FIGURE 8, wherein an enlarged broken top plan view of the track section 182 is shown in proximity to a fragmentary top plan view of an adjacent end of the track portion 178. Except as specifically 1 1 hereinafter pointed out, the structure of the track section 182 and the track portions 176 and 178 are entirely conventional and are such as disclosed in numerous toy catalogs, advertising circulars, as well as displayed for sale and demonstrated in the toy departments of retail department stores. For example, equipment of the character referred to is shown in Sears 1963 Christmas Book on pages 182-193, a catalog distributed by Sears, Roebuck and 00., Kansas City 27, Mo. Such pages advertise bus or racer track sections and layouts, as well as accessory toy vehicles and gear sold under such names as Strombecker, Eldon, Marx, Aurora, and Lionel that can be used, or can be readily adapted by those skilled in the art in the light of the teachings of this specification for use, in conjunction with the apparatus herein illustrated, described and claimed. Such pages of the aforementioned catalog also illustrate and make reference to conventional electric train track sections and layouts (HO-gauge, standard gauge, and triple rail, as sold under the names of American and Lionel, for example), and accessory vehicles and gear that can be used in the manner illustrated with the collapsible table and control mounting system, as will be plain to those familiar with the art and in the light of the teachings of this invention.

The track portion 178 includes a pair of spaced electrical conductors 230 and 232 that are electrically insulated from each other and another pair of electrical conductors 234 and 236 that are electrically insulated from each other. The structure of the electrical conductors 230 through 236 as well as their mode of cooperation with motive vehicles employed in conjunction with the track portion 178 is well understood in the art and need not be elaborated upon here. The track section 182 includes pairs of electrically isolated electrical conductors 238 and 240, and 242 and 244 generally corresponding to the pairs of electrical conductors 230 and 232, and 234 and 236 respectively. As will be understood by those acquainted with conventional apparatus of this character, effective mechanical and electrical interconnection of the track section 182 with the track portion 178 requires electrical connection between the conductors 230 and 238, between 232 and 240, between 234 and 242, and between 236 and 244. That this may be accomplished, the right ends of the electrical conductors 238 and 240 as seen in FIGURE 8 project to the right of the right end of the platform or base 246 of the track section 182. Recesses 248 and 250 are provided in the upper surface of the base or platform 252 immediately adjacent the left extremities of the electrical conductors 230 and 232, respectively, the arrangement being such that the projecting ends of the electrical conductors 238 and 240 can be pressed vertically into the recesses 248 and 250 to establish electrical connection between the electrical conductors 230 and 238, and between the conductors 232 and 240 while at the same time bringing the platforms or bases 246 and 252 into end-to-end abutting relationship.

The platform or base 246 of the track section 182 is provided with a pair of recesses 254 and 256 in the underside thereof that respectively open to the conductors 242 and 244. Also, as clearly shown in FIGURE 8, the left extremities of the conductors 234 and 236 project to the left of the left end of the base or platform 252, the arrangement being such that the track section 182 can be moved downwardly with respect to the base or platform 252 to place the platforms 246 and 252 in end-toend abutting relation while at the same time the conductors 234 and 236 are received in the recesses 254 and 256 to make electrical contact with the electric conductors 242 and 244, respectively. Thus, the track section 182 can be pressed downwardly relative to the track portion 178 to mechanically connect such section and portion and establish electrical connections between the conductors of the character previously set forth.

The left ends of the electric conductors 242 and 244 project from the base of platform 246 as indicated at 260 and 262, it being understood that such projecting portions 260 and 262 can be pressed downwardly into recesses, not shown, in an adjacent end of the track portion 176 (such recesses being analogous to the previously described recesses 248 and 250) to establish mechanical and electrical interconnection. Also, the platform or base 246 is provided with recesses 264 and 266 corresponding to the recesses 254- and 256 for mechanically and electrically interconnecting the track section 182 to the track portion 176 in a manner generally similar to the previously described structure for electrically interconnecting the conductors 234 and 242, and 236 and 244.

From the foregoing, it will be evident that the track portions 176 and 178 can be mechanically and electrically interconnected by the track section 182 by placing the latter immediately above its assembled position and then pressing the same downwardly in relation to the adjacent ends of the track portions 176 and 178. Additional mechanical support for the track section 182 is provided by a support column or standard 268 attached to the underside of the platform or base 246 so as to depend from the track section 182, it being understood that in the assembled position of the track section 182 the lower extremity of the column 268 rests upon the upper surface of the panel 60. Except for the support column 268 not being firmly fixed or rigidly attached to the panel 60, the column 268 generally corresponds to support columns or standards 270 and 272 disposed beneath and fixedly securing the track portion 176 to the panel 60. The track section 184 is removable and in its operative position mechanically and electrically connects the adjacent ends of the track portions 176 and 178 in a manner analogous to that previously described in relation to the track section 182. Inasmuch as the track section 184 is disposed above the track section 182, it is generally preferred that the track section 182 be placed in assembled or operative position prior to assemblying the track section 184 for the sake of convenience, with a reverse order being employed on disassembly of the track sections 184 and 182. It will be noted that assembly of the track section 182 is facilitated and the track section 182 more easily moved into assembled position when the track section 184 has not been moved into its operative position.

As is well known in the art, track guided and electrically actuated toys such as electric trains and electric busses and so forth have become quite sophisticated in simulating the performance and operations of their full scale commercial counterparts. Such sophistication has taken a number of courses involving control of the rate of supply of energy to the electrically actuated toys, controlling the operation of the toys as to their forward or reverse motion, control of accessory equipment incorporated in the toys such as bells, smoke emitters, search lights, motive cranes, cargo loading and discharging apparatus, etc. Furthermore, such control apparatus in its sophistication has included provision for control actuation of car coupling and decoupling devices, electrically actuated track switching equipment, simulated signaling devices, etc.

Inasmuch as the control equipment for carrying out the large variety of functions that can be performed by extant electrically actuated motive toys is preferably subject to manual operation rather than being entirely automatic or in some cases even semi-automatic whereby the pleasures of operating the equipment and participating in the performance thereof can be had. Needless to say, an integrated unit of equipment including provision for manual control necessitates positioning control knobs or handles for variable output transformers, rheostats and the like as well as switches and so forth in an accessible position for manual actuation. With 13 increased sophistication of control apparatus and correspondingly of the apparatus controlled thereby, it is manifest that the manually operated control apparatus which must be exposed for access is expensive and even with the best designed equipment subject to damage from mishandling, etc. In order to provide control equipment which is conveniently accessible for manipulation during use of tr e equipment and yet which may be placed in protected position when the equipment is not in use, the apparatus it) includes a provision of special mounting means for control apparatus such that the control apparatus may readily be moved from a protected position to an accessible position for use. Such specially provided means comprises a combined door and apparatus mounting base 289 that is fitted in an opening 282 in the end wall 16 when the control apparatus is in its protected or secured position. The combined door and base 258 is generally rectangular in configuration and is hinged along its lower edge to the end wall it? by hinges 284 and 286, whereby the combined door and base 236 can be swung from the closed or retracted position shown thereof in FZGURE 1 outwardly from the chest or cabinet 5D to a horizontal position such as shown thereof in FIGURE 5. The combined door and mounting base 289 is provided with a pull knob 23% so that the same can be readily moved from the retracted position to its extended horizontal position and vice versa, it being understood that a conventional spring pressed ball and dimple-type retaining means (not shown) is provided for releasably retaining the combined door and mounting base 281) in the closed position shown thereof in H6- URE 1. The combined door and mounting plate 28 is checked against downward swinging movement from its horizontal position by means of a iiexible chain or cord T33 connected between the end wall 16 and the inner face of the combined door and mounting base 28%.

A manually perable, apparatus control means including a variable output transformer 2% provided with a control knob 29% is mounted on the inner face of the combined door and mounting base 230 shown in FIGURES 2, 5 and 6. The arrangement is such that when the combined door and mounting base 28% is disposed in the position shown thereof in FIGURE 1 that the control apparatus 292. and 294 is disposed within the chest or cabinet 5%) in a protected position, and such that such control apparatus is readily accessible when the equipment is placed in use. Electrical ener y is supplied to the transformer 292 from house supply means by an appliance cord 3% (partially shown) that can be plugged into a wall receptacle. The appliance cord Still is electrically coupled to the transformer 292 by means that includes a junction box 392 mounted on the combined door and mounting base 288. When the apparatus is not to be used, the appliance cord 3% can be left coupled to the junction box 3G2 and stored within the chest 5%, or the appliance cord 3% can be unplugged or disconnected from the junction box 3G2 and stored separately so as to prevent use of the apparatus by unauthorized persons.

Means is provided for establishing electrical connection between the various electric conductors contained within the output conduit Sti l of the transformer 292 to the track systems and electrical accessories employed therewith. Attention is directed to F GURES 2 and 7 for an appreciation of this aspect of the invention. A plate 310 of electrically non-conductive material such as a plastic (Lucite being a suitable commercial product) is mounted on the top of the plate 149 as by screws such as the one indicated at 312. A plurality of electric terminals such as indicated at 314 and 316 extend through the plate 310, and each of the terminals is provided on the underside of the plate 310 with resilient electric contact fingers such as the fingers 313 and 32% associated with the terminals 31-iand 316 respectively. It will be noted that the electrical contact fingers 318 and 326 exend inwardly of the chest or cabinet Stl above and beyond the innermost lateral extent of the angle iron member 146 and are disposed above a portion 322 of the panel 69 that swings upwardly when the panel 6%) is rotated about the hinge pin H2 from the vertical to the horizontal position. The transformer output conduit means 3% is connected to a junction box 324 mounted on the partition 32, and a further electric conduit means 326 is connected to the junction box 324 and extends downwardly therefrom to adjacent the bottom of the chest or cabinet 51) as shown in FIGURE 2, thence under the partition 32 and along the frame strip 44-, and thence upwardly along the inner face of the plate to a position adiacent the upper end of the latter, The upper end of the electric conduit means 326 extends upwardly from the insulator plate 315 through a suitable opening 328 provided in the plate 310 and the plate 140, and individual conductors contained within the conduit means 326 are connected to the terminals as shown in FIG- URE 7, the individual electrical conductors 33d and 332 being respectively connected to the electric terminals 314 one 316.

A plate 334 of electrically non-conductive material is secured to the upper surface of the portion 322 of the panel 6% at a position disposed below the contact fingers 312 and 32%. The plate 324 is provided with a plurality of electric terminals such as those indicated at 340 and 342, the electric terminals 346) and 342 being electrically connected by means not shown respectively to electrical contacts 344 and 346 secured to the plate 334-. The arrangement is such that when the panel 61 is swung to the operative position shown thereof in FIGURE 7 that the contact 34% moves up into electrical engagement with the contact finger 318, while the electric contact 346 is moved upwardly into electrical engagement with the spring contact finger in this manner, electrical continuity is established between the individual electrical conductors of electric conduit means 348 and 354 and the individual electrical conductors of the conduit means 326 when and only when the panel so is swung into its operative position. The individual electrical conductors of the electric conduit means 348 and 350 are connected in a conventional manner (not shown) to the various electrically conductive elements of the track means and such auxiliary electric equipment which it may be desired to use therewith. The convenience and inherent safety of the illustrated and described means for energizing the track means 1752 solely upon the panel 60 being placed in its operative position are deemed obvious. It will be evident that the illustrated and described means for establishing electrical connection to elements mounted on the panel 66 solely when the latter is in its operative position can be extended to include as many electric circuits as may be desired, it being thought clear that the structure is in no manner limited to employment solely with circuits associated with the output of the transformer 2192, but may be extended to such other electric circuits and control devices mounted on the combined door and mounting base 23% as may be appropriate to the elabo rateness of the installations on the panels 5d and 62.

Inasmuch as the hereinabove described principles of a collapsible table are applicable to a supporting frame or base construction of lesser size than the chest or cabinet structure designated generally at Sll in FIGURE 1, still another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FEGURES 10 through 14 inclusive, this further embodiment of the invention featuring the provision of means for stabilizing the supporting structure or frame when the table is in extended position, and additionally featuring the provision of means whereby the panels can be covered when in their collapsed condition so as to constitute a table top of reduced dimension.

The collapsible table construction of the modified embodiment of the invention is designated generally at 406, the same comprising an open topped generally rectangular storage chest including side walls 402 and 404, end walls 406 and 408, and a bottom wall 410. Such rectangular chest construction is designated generally at 412, and it is provided with three triangularly disposed support wheels 414, 416, and 418. The wheels 414, 416 and 418 can if desired be of the same character as the previously described support wheels and mounting structures therefor 24, 28 and 26 used in the construction shown in FIGURE 1. The chest 412 also includes a hinged cover construction including symmetrical parts indicated generally at 420 and 422, such parts 420 and 422 respectively including side walls 424 and 426, top walls 428 and 430, and pairs of end walls 432 and 434, and 436 and 438. When the table construction 400 is disposed in its collapsed condition (see FIGURES 11, 12 and 13), the side walls 424 and 426 constitute upward extensions of the side walls 402 and 404, and the top walls 428 and 430 are horizontally disposed in edge-to-edge abutment above the entire volume surrounded by the chest 412 including the cover parts 420 and 422. Also, it will be seen that when the table construction 400 is in the collapsed condition the end .walls 432 and 436 are in edgeto-edge abutment and abut the upper edge of the end wall 406 to constitute an upward extension of the latter. Similarly, the end walls 434 and 438 are in edge-toedge abutment with each other and both abut the upper edge of the end wall 408 to constitute an upward extension thereof terminating at the top wall or reduced table surface defined jointly by the top walls 428 and 430.

The lower edges of the side walls 424 and 426 are respectively hinged at 440 and 442 to the upper edges of the side walls 402 and 404 at their respective junctures, whereby the cover parts 420 and 422 can be swung outwardly and downwardly from each other to the posi tions shown thereof in FIGURE 10, wherein the side walls 424 and 426 respectively seat against the outer surfaces of the side walls 402 and 404, and wherein the top walls 428 and 430 are so disposed as to constitute shelves convenient for use of storage of articles such as might be employed in connection with games or activities to be conducted upon the table construction 400 when the latter is in its extended or operative condition. For example, playing cards, poker chips, table tennis equipment, etc. (not shown) can be conveniently placed ondthfzop wals 428 and 430 when the cover parts 420 an are isposed in the osition sho n FIGURE 10' p w thereof in As thus far described, it will be seen that the chest 412 including the cover parts 420 and 422 constitutes when in the collapsed condition shown in FIGURES 11, 12 and 13 a narrow elongated chest construction that can be readily moved about on a floor and which can be posltioned against a wall so as to occupy a minimum of space and yet afford a supporting surface at the top thereof for decorative articles such as candle sticks, mantle clock, or the like. It will also be noted that when in the collapsed condition the finish of all the exposed external surfaces of the construction can be made attract1ve in character and polished so as to present an attractive over-all appearance rather than being an eyesore. It will also be observed that when the table construction 400 is in the collapsed condition as shown in FIGURES 11, 12 and 13 that the entire interior thereof is protected and not exposed to View.

The table construction 400 includes rectangular panels 450 and 452 which in their collapsed positions are disposed within the chest 412 in spaced parallelism to each other and are vertically arranged in parallelism with the side Walls 402 and 404. Means generally analogous to those provided in association with the panels 60 and 62 of the previously described embodiment of the invention for guiding vertical and swinging movement of the panels to a horizontal position are provided in association with the panels 450 and 452. Such means includes mounting blocks 454 and 456 secured to the side walls'402 and 404 adjacent the hinges 440 and 442, hinge means (not shown) being mounted on such blocks for coaction with loops 458 and 460 respectively fixed to the panels 450 and 452. Also, guide plates are secured to the end walls 406 and 408 such as the guide plate indicated at 462 fixed to the end wall 406. The lower edge corners of the panels 450 and 452 are recessed or notched for coaction with the arcuate surfaces at the upper ends of the guide plates, such as the recess or notch provided in the panel 452 and 464. The structure is so arranged that upon swinging the cover parts 420 and 422 to the position shown thereof in FIGURE 10, the panel 452 is guided for vertical movement to an upper limited position such that its vertical extent is almost entirely extended above the upper edge of the side Wall 404, after which the panel 452 can be swung about its hinge means on the hinge mounting block 456 to the horizontal position shown thereof in FIGURE 10. Similarly, the panel 450 can then be correspondingly raised and swung horizontally to the position shown thereof in FIGURE 10 such that the abutting bevelled edges of the panels 450 and 452 are in smooth abutting engagement with each other as indicated at 480 in FIGURE 10. Inasmuch as the guide and hinge means provided for the panels 450 and 452 are substantially identical to those provided for and described in connection with the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1, further elaboration as to the details of the means employed in the apparatus shown in FIGURES 10 through 14 is deemed to be unnecessary.

So that the table construction 400 will have a smooth over-all planar configuration when in the erected condition shown in FIGURE 10, an optional form of construction is employed for limiting downward swinging movement of the panels 450 and 452 is provided in lieu of the stops (angle iron members 102 and 146) used in the construction shown in FIGURE 1. It will be understood of course that the construction shown in FIG- URES 10 through 14 can, if desired or deemed expedient, also include stops such as provided in the previously described embodiment of the invention. The optional means comprises collapsible legs 490 and 492 hingedly connected respectively at 494 and 496 to the underside of the panel 452. The arrangement is such that the legs 490 can be swung from a collapsed position lying sub stantially flush with the underside of the panel 452 to an operative position wherein the lower ends of the legs engage the floor on which the table construction 400 is supported. In order that the legs 490 and 492 be of sufficient length to extend from the panel 452 to the supporting floor, and in order to further stabilize the table 400 against inadvertent collapse of the support of the panel 452, the legs 490 and 492 are hinged to the panel 452 about taxes inclined to the rectangular dimensions of the panel 452 as clearly shown in FIGURE 13. With such hinging arrangement of the legs 480 and 492, it will be seen that the legs in their collapsed condition extend somewhat diagonally across the undersurface of the panel 452 and can have a greater length (as is necessary) than would be possible if such legs were arranged in parallelism with the opposite side edges of the panel 452.

In order that the length of the legs 490 and 492 can be automatically adjustable to a minor extent so as to accommodate the table 400 being positioned upon an uneven floor, each of such legs are telescopically extensible and are resiliently biased toward their fully extended positions. Inasmuch as all of the legs of the table 400 include identical means of this character, only a detailed description of such means provided in con nection with the leg 490 shall sufiice for all. Attention is directed to FIGURE 14 for an appreciation of the telescoping feature of the leg 490. The leg 490 includes upper and lower sections 500 and 502 in alignment with each other. A cylindrical recess 504 is provided in the lower end of the leg section 500 into which projects a reduced upper end portion 506 of the leg section 592, the arrangement being such that the reduced portion 506 is reciprocable into and out of the recess 504. An annular groove 519 is provided in the reduced portion 566 at a position spaced from and adjacent the upper extremity of the reduced portion 566, and stop means such as fasteners 512 extend through the leg section 500 to project into the groove 510 and thereby limit upward and downward reciprocable movement of the leg section 532 relative to the leg section Still. A coiled compression spring 514 is disposed Within the recess 5G4 and is biased against the upper end of the reduced portion 506 so as to yieldingly urge telescopic extension of the leg section 502 from the leg section 50%. The arrangement is preferably such that when the table 4% is disposed upon a substantially fiat floor the leg sections 5% and 502 are in the positions shown thereof in FIGURE 16; however, if the leg 499 is disposed over a low spot in the floor, it will be evident that the leg section 502 will be yieldingly urged by the spring 514 into engagement with such low portion of the floor. Clearly, such structural features of the legs greatly enhance the stability of the table 4% and tend to prevent any rocking of the table 40%) that could otherwise be a nuisance.

Furthermore, diagonal disposition of the legs 4% and 432 enables placement of the hinged connections 4% and 496 closely adjacent the opposite side and end extremities of the panel 452 without interference to the means for hingedly connecting the panel 452 to the side wall 494. when such means are disposed closely adjacent the end walls 4% and 493, such latter positioning being preferred for reasons of strength if only two hinged connections are to be provided between the panel 452 and the end wall 464. If desired or deemed expedient, and even if the legs 49%) and 492 are diagonally disposed as shown, additional means (not shown) can be provided intermediate the end walls 496 and 408 for hingedly connecting the panel 452 to the end wall 404.

The panel 459 is in a manner analogous to that of the panel 452 provided with collapsible legs 52% hingedly connected to the panel 450 at 522. The legs 520 bear the same relation to the panel 45% as the legs 4% and 4% bear to the panel 452, and accordingly, further description thereof is deemed unnecessary.

In lieu of or in addition to the support legs 499, 492 and 520 for supporting the panels 452 and 450 can be provided. Such alternative or additional means of support for the panels 452 and 450 can comprise an arm 53% pivoted to the side wall 4%- by a hinge 532, such hinge 532 being located adjacent the end wall 406 so that the arm 53% can be swung in a horizontal plane from a position lying along the side and parallel to the side wall 464 (see FIGURE 11) to an extended position perpendicular to the side wall 40-; as shown in FIGURE 10. A caster wheel 536 is secured to the end of the arm 531) remote from the hinge 532. The arrangement is such that the wheel 536 is in contact with the floor on which the table 460 is supported when the arm 53% is in either its extended or retracted position or at any position intermediate such positions. With the arm 530 in its extended position and with the caster wheel 536 engaging the floor, it will be obvious substantial stability to the chest 412 is imparted against tipping over sideways whether the table 4% is erected or not. A support standard 549 is vertically disposed between the outer end of the arm 530 and the underside of the panel 452, the upper end of the standard 549 being releasably received in a recess 542 provided in the underside of the panel 452. The lower end of the support standard 549 is hinged at 544 to the arm 53% adjacent the end of the latter remote from the hinge 532. The hinge 544- allows the support standard 540 to be selectively positioned as shown in FIGURE 10 wherein the same is operative to support the panel 452 or in a col- 18 lapsed position extending along and resting upon the upper surface of the arm 540 as shown in FIGURE 11. When the arm 530 and the support standard 549 are disposed in their operative positions as shown in FIGURE 10, the support standard 546 coacts with the recess 542 in the panel 452 to prevent or at least resist horizontal swinging movement of the arm 548' as will be appreciated.

Means corresponding to the support means 530 through 544 inclusive is provided in association with the panel 459. Such means provided in association with the panel 459 comprises an arm 546 pivoted to the side wall 462 adjacent the end wall 408 at 548, a caster support wheel 559, a support standard 552 pivoted to the arm 546 at 554, and a recess 556 provided in the underside of the panel 459. Inasmuch [as the hinges or pivots S32 and 548 are diametrically opposed, the arms 530 and 546 do not have to be swung to positions at right angles to the side walls idd and 402, as shown in FlGURE 10, to afford a balanced support function.

When the optional support means including the wheels is provided, the wheels 414 and 418 can be omitted and a single wheel (not shown) like the wheel 416 substituted therefor to obtain a four-point floor support.

Either embodiment of the invention can be made of a wide variety of materials such as metal, wood, or plastic. In the event the structure is to be made of metal, it is preferred that such metal be sheet aluminum of sufficient thickness or with sufficient reinforcement being provided for adequate stiffness or rigidity. If the panels 69, 6'2, 450 and 452 are to be made of metal, aluminum is especially preferred because of its light weight and high strength to weight ratio whereby the same can be raised from their retracted or collapsed posi tions with minimum effort. If the apparatus is to be constructed of wood, laminated wood panels or plywood is particularly preferred for reasons of strength and high strength to Weight ratio. The external surfaces of the cabinet or chest structures can be finished as desired, such as for example with enamel paint or stained and polished veneer woods.

It will be evident that the upper surfaces of the panels can be given a wide variety of configurations in depth, and that such surfaces are susceptible to having a large class of items that can be securely mounted thereon. For example, the upper surface of the panels may have poker chip receptacles thereon, structure defining wells or pockets for the reception of drinking glasses, etc. This advantage stems from the fact that such upper surfaces are spaced from each other when the panels are in their collapsed condition, and for the further reason that such upper surfaces are protected when the panels are in collapsed condition.

Inasmuch as the illustrated embodiments of the invention are susceptible to numerous departures therefrom and modifications Without departing from the spirit of the invention, attention is directed to the appended claims in order to ascertain the actual scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A collapsible table comprising a frame, first and second substantially fiat table panels selectively carried by said frame in abutting and assembled table top defining relation and in spaced, parallel and vertically arranged collapsed relation within the frame, said frame being provided with parallelly spaced and vertically arranged first and second guide means operatively associated respectively with the first and second panels, each of said first and second panels having opposed parallel side edges and an end abutting edge, each of said first and second guide means comprising a horizontally spaced pair of vertically extending guide means carried by the frame in operative guiding relation with the opposed side edges of the panel associated therewith for guiding vertical movement of such panel with the latter being vertically arranged between a lower collapsed position within the frame and an upper position in which the panel projects substantially above the top of the frame, first and second independent pivot means operatively related respectively to the first and second panels for pivotally connecting the panels to the frame for swinging movement of the abutting edge of each of the panels toward the other panel about a horizontal axis adjacent the top of the frame and spaced above the abutting edge of the panel when the latter is in said upper and vertically disposed position thereof with said horizontal axes of the first and second pivot means being parallel and horizontally spaced from each other, and first and second means for positively limiting said swinging movement of the first and second panels respectively to about 90, whereby the panels can be swung into assembled table top defining relation wit-h the abutting edges thereof in abutment and with the upper surface of the table top being defined by the parallelly spaced adjacent surfaces of the panels when the latter are in collapsed relation within the frame.

2. The combination of claim 1, wherein said first means for limiting swinging movement of the first panel includes a portion of the second panel.

3. The combination of claim 2, wherein said second means for limiting swinging movement of the second panel includes a fixed stop carried by the frame that is disposed in the swinging travel path of the second panel.

4. The combination of claim 1, wherein said first means for limiting swinging movement of the first panel comprises a fixed stop carried by the frame and disposed in the swinging travel path of the first panel.

5. The combination of claim 1, wherein said first means for limiting swinging movement of the first panel includes a support leg pivoted to the first panel.

6. The combination of claim 1, including a track system means that includes first and second independent portions, said first and second portions being respectively and fixedly secured to said adjacent surfaces of the first and second panels and disposed between the panels when the latter are in collapsed condition, and means removable for operatively interconnecting said first and second portions of the track system means adjacent the abutting edges of the panels when the latter are in assembled table top defining relation.

7. The combination of claim 6, wherein at least one of said portions of the track system means extends a substantial perpendicular distance from said surface of its respective panel, said distance being less than the spacing of said surfaces of the panels when the latter are disposed in collapsed relation within the frame.

8. The combination of claim 1, wherein the frame is generally rectangular in horizontal configuration and includes sides and ends, the minor horizontal dimension of the frame being perpendicular to the sides of the frame and to the panels when the latter are disposed in collapsed relation within the frame, with at least one of said panels having a length perpendicular to the abutting edge thereof to project horizontally over the side of the frame adjacent thereto when such panel is in table top defining relation, and means for supporting the projecting panel at a position spaced outwardly from the adjacent side of the frame.

9. The combination of claim 8, wherein said su porting means comprises a support arm pivoted at one end to the frame for swinging movement of the other end of the arm from a retracted inoperative position adjacent the frame to an operative position outwardly spaced from the adjacent side of the frame, a support standard having one end pivotally connected to the arm adjacent said other end of the latter for swinging movement of the standard from a position wherein the same is carried by and parallel to the arm to an erect position wherein the end of the standard remote from the pivotal connection thereof engages the underside of the projecting panel, and means carried by the arm adjacent said other end thereof adapted to support the arm from a floor.

10. The combination of claim 9, wherein said support- 20 ing means includes a' leg pivotally secured to the underside of the projecting panel at a position spaced a substantial interval from the abutting edge of such panel.

11. The combination of claim 10, wherein said panels project above the top of the frame when the panels are in collapsed relation, a cover over at least one of the projecting upper ends of the panels when the latter are in collapsed relation, said cover being pivotally mounted on the frame for swinging movement about a horizontal axis to a lowered position below said surfaces of the panels when the latter are in table top defining relation.

12. The combination of claim 10, wherein said leg is pivoted to the panel for swinging movement about an axis inclined to the direction of the abutting edge of such panel.

13. The combination of claim 10, wherein said leg includes telescoping sections spring biased toward maximum extension.

14. The combination of claim 8, wherein said supporting means includes the frame being provided with a fixed top wall, said wall extending horizontally a substantial distance from a position adjacent to and perpendicular to the abutting edge of the panel, and a substantial proportion of the area of the panel engaging and resting on the top wall when the panel is in table top defining relation.

15. The combination of claim 14, including said frame being provided with a sliding drawer disposed below the top wall.

16. A combined storage cabinet and collapsible table comprising a generally rectangular cabinet including front and rear walls, end walls and a top wall, said cabinet including a drawer slidable through the front wall, said top wall being spaced from the rear wall, a pair of parallelly spaced table panels vertically arranged within the cabinet in parallelism with the back wall and projecting above the top wall through the space intermediate the top and rear walls, cooperating guide and pivot means provided in association with each panel for guiding vertical movement of the panel to an upper limiting position and thence for pivoting the panel in the upper limiting position to a horizontal position about a horizontal axis parallel to and adjacent the panel, said panels having edges in abutment and coplanar surfaces when in the horizontal position with one of said panels resting on the top wall of the cabinet, one of said end walls including a hinged section arnanged to swing outwardly to a horizontal position, manually operated, electrical circuit control means mounted on the inner side of the hinged end wall section, whereby the control means is accessible when the hinged section is in the horizontal position, track means including electrical conduit means mounted on the coplanar surfaces of the table panels, and means establishing an operative electrical connection between the control means and the electrical conduit means when the panels are in the horizontal position.

17. The combination of claim 16, wherein the means for establishing an operative electrical connection includes first and second electrical contacts carried respectively by the cabinet and one of the panels, said first contact being disposed in the travel path of the second contact during pivotal movement of such panel whereby such contacts are in engagement when the panel is in the horizontal position to complete the operative electric-a1 connection.

18. In a combined storage cabinet and collapsible table comprising a generally rectangular cabinet including front and rear walls, end walls and a top wall, said top wall being spaced from the rear wall, a pair of parallelly spaced table panels vertically arranged within the cabinet in parallelism with the back wall and projecting above the top wall through the space intermediate the top and rear walls, separate cooperating guide and pivot means provided in association with each panel for guiding vertical movement of the panel to an upper limiting position and thence for pivoting the panel in the upper limiting position to a horizontal position about a horizontal axis parallel to and adjacent the panel, said panels having edges in abutment and coplanar surfaces when in the horizontal position with one of said panels resting on the top wall of the cabinet, one of said end walls including a hinged section arranged to swing outwardly to a horizontal position, manually operated, electrical circuit means mounted on the inner side of the hinged end wall section, whereby the control means is accessible when the hinged section is in the horizontal position, track means including electrical conduit means counted on the coplanar surfaces of the table panels, and means establishing an operative electrical connection between the control means and the electrical conduit means when the panels are in the horizontal position, said means for establishing an operative electrical connection including first and second electrical contacts carried respectively by the cabinet and one of the panels, said first contact being disposed in the travel path of the second contact during pivotal movement of such panel whereby such contacts are in engagement when the panel is in the horizontal position to complete the operative electrical connection, said track means also including separate portions respectively mounted on the panels and disposed between the panels when the latter are in vertical arrangement, said track means also including removable interconnecting means for operatively coupling said separate portions thereof adjacent the juncture of the panels when the latter are in horizontal position.

19. In a combined storage chest and table top construction, structure comprising a generally rectangular storage chest including front and rear walls, end walls and a top wall, said top wall being horizontally spaced from the upper end of the rear wall to constitute a rectangular opening communicating with the interior of the chest therebelow so as to define a storage well Within the chest, at table top panel vertically received within the well and in spaced parallelism to the rear wall, guide means for guiding vertical movement of the panel to an upper limiting position, pivot means connecting the panel and the chest for swinging movement of the panel about a horizontal axis parallel to the rear wall when the panel is at the upper limiting position to a horizontal position overlying the top wall of the chest, said pivot means comprising a hinge element that includes a loop element engageable portion, a loop element, one of said elements being secured to the chest and the other being secured to the panel, said elements being operatively enga-geable upon the panel being moved to the upper limiting position thereof, and means for preventing disengagement of the elements when the panel is swung from a vertical position.

20. The combination of claim 1, wherein each of said first and second pivot means comprises a hinge element including a portion thereof engageable by a loop element, a loop element, one of said elements being fixed to the panel and the other of said elements being fixed to the frame, said portion of the hinge element being disposed in the travel path relative thereto of the loop element on raising the panel from its collapsed position and being operatively engageable therewith on the panel reaching its upper vertically disposed position, and means for preventing disengagement of the elements on the panel being swung away from its vertical position.

21. The combination of claim 20, including subjacent support for at least one of the panels when the latter is swung to its horizontal operative position.

22. The combination of claim 20, wherein the abutting edges of said panels are beveled.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 69,799 10/1867 Greene 10s 40 x 1,699,496 1/1929 Wasmuth 10s 40 2,019,522 11/1935 Colross 312 240x 2,198,306 4/1940 Fisher 23s 10 X 2,351,610 6/1944 Hamber-g 31224OX 2,590,676 3/1952 Bradley 312F313 x 2,645,539 7/1953 Thompson 10s 113 3,062,544 11/1962 Viets 108-l12X FOREIGN PATENTS 1,249,298 11/1960 France.

FRANK B. SHERRY, Primary Examiner. 

1. A COLLAPSIBLE TABLE COMPRISING A FRAME, FIRST AND SECOND SUBSTANTIALLY FLAT TABLE PANELS SELECTIVELY CARRIED BY SAID FRAME IN ABUTTING AND ASSEMBLED TABLE TOP DEFINING RELATION AND IN SPACED, PARALLEL AND VERTICALLY ARRANGED COLLAPSED RELATION WITHIN THE FRAME, SAID FRAME BEING PROVIDED WITH PARALLELLY SPACED AND VERTICALLY ARRANGED FIRST AND SECOND GUIDE MEANS OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED RESPECTIVELY WITH THE FIRST AND SECOND PANELS, EACH OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND PANELS HAVING OPPOSED PARALLEL SIDE EDGES AND AN END ABUTTING EDGE, EACH OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND GUIDE MEANS COMPRISING A HORIZONTALLY SPACED PAIR OF VERTICALLY EXTENDING GUIDE MEANS CARRIED BY THE FRAME IN OPERATIVE GUIDING RELATION WITH THE OPPOSED SIDE EDGES OF THE PANEL ASSOCIATED THEREWITH FOR GUIDING VERTICAL MOVEMENT OF SUCH PANEL WITH THE LATTER BEING VERTICALLY ARRANGED BETWEEN A LOWER COLLAPSED POSITION WITHIN THE FRAME AND AN UPPER POSITION IN WHICH THE PANEL PROJECTS SUBSTANTIALLY ABOVE THE TOP OF THE FRAME, FIRST AND SECOND INDEPENDENT PIVOT MEANS OPERATIVELY RELATED RESPECTIVELY TO THE FIRST AND SECODN PANELS FOR PIVOTALLY CONNECTING THE PANELS TO THE FRAME FOR SWINGING MOVEMENT OF THE ABUTTING EDGE OF EACH OF THE PANELS TOWARD THE OTHER PANEL ABOUT A HORIZONTAL AXIS ADJACENT THE TOP OF THE FRAME AND SPACED ABOVE THE ABUTTING EDGE OF THE PANEL WHEN THE LATTER IS IN SAID UPPER AND VERTICALLY DISPOSED POSITION THEREOF WITH SAID HORIZONTAL AXES OF THE FIRST AND SECOND PIVOT MEANS BEING PARALLEL AND HORIZONTALLY SPACED FROM EACH OTHER, AND FIRST AND SECOND MEANS FOR POSITIVELY LIMITING SAID SWINGING MOVEMENT OF THE FIRST AND SECOND PANELS RESPECTIVELY TO ABOUT 90*, WHEREBY THE PANELS CAN BE SWUNG INTO ASSEMBLED TABLE TOP DEFINING RELATION WITH THE ABUTTING EDGES THEREOF IN ABUTMENT AND WITH THE UPPER SURFACE OF THE TABLE TOP BEING DEFINED BY THE PARALLELLY SPACED ADJACENT SURFACES OF THE PANELS WHEN THE LATTER ARE IN COLLAPSED RELATION WITHIN THE FRAME. 